Grommet Configured For Supporting Seal Strip

ABSTRACT

A grommet is inserted into a notch in a channel and partially supports a seal strip attached to the channel. The grommet includes a main segment and first and second end segments. The main segment extends from a first end to a second end along a longitudinal axis and has a first side surface and a second side surface. The first end segment is attached to the main segment adjacent to the first end of the main segment. The second end segment is attached to the main segment adjacent to the second end of the main segment. The main segment, the first end segment, and the second end segment together define a passageway extending through the grommet parallel to the longitudinal axis. A cable harness including a grommet and a vehicle including a grommet are also provided.

RELATED APPLICATION

The present application claims priority of U.S. Provisional ApplicationSer. No. 60/788,504 filed Mar. 31, 2006 and hereby incorporates the sameProvisional Application by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a wire grommet which can be insertedinto a notch in a channel to facilitate passage of a cable or otheritem(s) through the notch and to further provide support for a sealstrip attached to the channel.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Many vehicles are provided with a compartment having a closure member. Aseal strip can be provided to seal the closure member with respect tothe remainder of the compartment. It is often desirable to facilitatepassage of a cable into such a compartment and past the seal strip. Ithas conventionally been difficult to do so, however, withoutjeopardizing the integrity of the seal provided by the seal strip and/orrequiring significant amounts of time to ensure that passage of thecable will not interfere with operation of the seal strip.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, a vehiclehas a compartment. The compartment comprises a chamber, a closuremember, a channel having a notch, a grommet, and a seal strip. Thechamber at least partially defines a cavity for storing articlestherein. The chamber has an opening configured to facilitate access tothe cavity. The closure member is moveable between a first position inwhich the closure member at least partially covers the opening toprevent access to the cavity through the opening, and a second positionin which the closure member is at least partially spaced away from theopening to allow access to the cavity through the opening. The channelhas a notch and is provided upon one of the chamber and the closuremember. The grommet is positioned at least partially within the notchand comprises a main segment, a first end segment, and a second endsegment. The main segment extends from a first end to a second end alonga longitudinal axis and has a first side surface and a second sidesurface. The first end segment is attached to the main segment adjacentto the first end of the main segment. The second end segment is attachedto the main segment adjacent to the second end of the main segment. Themain segment, the first end segment, and the second end segment togetherdefine a passageway extending through the grommet parallel to thelongitudinal axis. The seal strip is attached to the channel and to thegrommet. The seal strip is configured to provide a seal between thechamber and the closure member when the closure member is in the firstposition.

In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, agrommet is configured for insertion into a notch in a channel and forpartially supporting a seal strip attached to the channel. The grommetcomprises a main segment, a first end segment, a second end segment, afirst retention wing, and a second retention wing. The main segment hasa rectangular sectional shape extending from a first end to a second endalong a longitudinal axis. The rectangular sectional shape has a height,a first side surface, a second side surface and a top surface. The firstend segment has a second height and is attached to the main segmentadjacent to the first end of the main segment. The second height isgreater than the first height. The second end segment has a heightsubstantially the same as the second height. The second end segment isattached to the main segment adjacent to the second end of the mainsegment. The first retention wing extends from the first side surface ofthe main segment such that at least one first groove is provided betweenthe first retention wing and the first side surface. The secondretention wing extends from the second side surface of the main segmentsuch that at least one second groove is provided between the secondretention wing and the second side surface. The first end segment, thesecond end segment, and the top surface of the main segment togetherdefine a trench therebetween. The main segment, the first end segment,and the second end segment together define a passageway extendingthrough the grommet parallel to the longitudinal axis.

In accordance with yet another embodiment of the present invention, acable harness assembly comprises a grommet and a cable. The grommet isconfigured for insertion into a notch in a channel and for partiallysupporting a seal strip attached to the channel. The grommet comprises amain segment, a first end segment, a second end segment, a firstretention wing, and a second retention wing. The main segment has arectangular sectional shape extending from a first end to a second endalong a longitudinal axis. The rectangular sectional shape has a height,a first side surface, a second side surface and a top surface. The firstend segment has a second height and is attached to the main segmentadjacent to the first end of the main segment. The second height isgreater than the first height. The second end segment has a heightsubstantially the same as the second height. The second end segment isattached to the main segment adjacent to the second end of the mainsegment. The first retention wing extends from the first side surface ofthe main segment such that at least one first groove is provided betweenthe first retention wing and the first side surface. The secondretention wing extends from the second side surface of the main segmentsuch that at least one second groove is provided between the secondretention wing and the second side surface. The first end segment, thesecond end segment, and the top surface of the main segment togetherdefine a trench therebetween. The main segment, the first end segment,and the second end segment together define a passageway extendingthrough the grommet parallel to the longitudinal axis in order tofacilitate passage of a cable through the grommet. The cable extendsthrough the grommet passageway.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

While the specification concludes with claims particularly pointing outand distinctly claiming the present invention, it is believed that thesame will be better understood from the following description taken inconjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a rear perspective view of an all terrain vehicle (“ATV”) inaccordance with one embodiment of the present invention, wherein aclosure member for a compartment is shown to be in a closed position;

FIG. 2 is a rear perspective view of the ATV of FIG. 1, wherein theclosure member is shown to be in an open position;

FIG. 3 is a bottom perspective view depicting a portion of the closuremember removed from the ATV of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a bottom perspective view depicting the closure member of FIG.3, wherein the seal strip has been removed from the channel for clarity;

FIG. 5 is a bottom perspective view depicting the closure member of FIG.4, wherein the cable harness assembly has been removed for clarity;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view depicting a portion of the cable harnessassembly of FIG. 4;

FIG. 7 is a bottom plan view depicting the grommet apart from theremainder of the cable harness assembly of FIG. 6;

FIG. 8 is a top plan view depicting the grommet of FIG. 7;

FIG. 9 is a front elevational view of the grommet of FIGS. 7-8;

FIG. 10 is a left-side elevational view of the grommet of FIGS. 7-9 inconjunction with a sectional representation of a seal strip inaccordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 11 is a bottom perspective view of the grommet of FIGS. 7-10; and

FIG. 12 is a top perspective view of the grommet of FIGS. 7-11.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

The present invention and its operation is hereinafter described indetail in connection with the views and examples of FIGS. 1-12 whereinlike numbers indicate the same or corresponding elements throughout theviews. A grommet in accordance with the teachings of the presentinvention can be used in any of a variety of applications to assist infacilitating passage of a cable or other item(s) through a channelsupporting a seal strip. In accordance with one embodiment of thepresent invention, a grommet can be used in conjunction with a vehicle.Such vehicles can include, for example, automobiles, trucks, vans,motorcycles, recreational vehicles, watercraft, aircraft, agriculturalequipment, construction equipment, toys, or other power equipment.

In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, a grommetcan be used in conjunction with an ATV. For example, FIG. 1 depicts anATV 16 having a compartment 30 which is suitable for storage of tools orpersonal effects. The compartment 30 is shown to be supported by a rearfender 20 of the ATV 16 in a location behind a driver's scat 18, howeverthe location and intended use of a compartment in accordance with thepresent invention can vary as desired. The compartment 30 includes aclosure member 22. A tail light assembly 24 can be attached to theclosure member 22 and can include a lens 26 through which light can beemitted. The closure member 22 can also include a latch or lock 28 tofacilitate opening or closing of the closure member 22 by an operator ofthe ATV 16. The closure member 22 is depicted in FIG. 1 as being in aclosed, or first, position.

Turning now to FIG. 2, the closure member 22 is shown in an opened, orsecond, position. When the closure member 22 is opened, as shown in FIG.2, access to a cavity 34 can be attained through an opening 36. Thecavity 34 can be defined by a chamber 32 which can comprise one or morewalls and/or surfaces which provide boundaries for the cavity 34. Inaccordance with one embodiment of the present invention, the chamber 32can be provided by one or more plastic, steel or fiberglass wallsattached to or otherwise provided by the rear fender 20. The closuremember 22 is shown to be supported with respect to the ATV 16 by hinges23 and 25 such that the closure member 22 is hingedly associated withthe chamber 32. However, a closure member may alternatively be attachedto a chamber without hinges, and/or might be completely detached from achamber when the closure member is in the opened position.

The opening 36 to the cavity 34 is shown to be surrounded by a lip 68which is attached or integral with the chamber 32. A channel 38 is shownto be provided upon the closure member 22 in a location corresponding tothe lip 68 such that when the closure member 22 is moved to its closedposition (as shown in FIG. 1), the channel 38 aligns with the lip 68 anda seal strip 42 supported upon the channel 38 compresses against the lip68 to substantially seal the cavity 34 about the periphery of theopening 36 in order to prevent the entry of moisture or debris into thecavity 34. While the channel 38 is shown to be provided upon the closuremember 22 with the seal strip 42 supported thereon, it will beappreciated that in other embodiments of the present invention, achannel might be provided upon a stationary portion of a compartment(e.g., the lip 68) for supporting a seal strip such that no portion of aseal strip is attached to the closure member, and the closure member insuch circumstance could comprise a lip or other surface for engaging theseal strip accordingly when the closure member is in the closedposition.

As shown in FIGS. 2-3, a cable assembly 44 can connect to the tail lightassembly 24 for selectively providing power thereto. The cable assembly44 is shown to pass through the channel 38. This passage can be seenmore clearly by referring to FIG. 3. The cable assembly 44 is shown inFIG. 3 to be part of a cable harness assembly 43 which additionallyincludes a grommet 46. The cable assembly 44 can include one or morewires or cables which are operatively connected to the tail lightassembly 24 for providing power to the tail light assembly 24. Forexample, as shown in FIG. 3, the cable assembly 44 is shown to includethree cables 45. In this particular example, one of these three cablescan serve as an electrical ground conductor, another of the three cablescan serve as an electrical conductor for selectively providing power toa brake light filament within the tail light assembly 24, and the othercan serve as an electrical conductor for selectively providing power fora tail light filament within the tail light assembly 24.

Each of these cables 45 is shown to pass through the grommet 46individually, but when apart from the grommet 46, to be surrounded by ajacket 47. It will of course be appreciated that the individual cables45 need not be surrounded by the jacket 47, that a cable assembly 44 inaccordance with the teachings of the present invention could includefewer or more than three cables, and that the grommet 46 couldalternatively be configured to pass all three cables 45 within thejacket 47 through a single passageway. While a cable could pass througha passageway in a grommet, it will be appreciated that any of a varietyof other items could alternatively pass through such a passagewayincluding, for example, a fiber optic link, a mechanical link (e.g., acoaxial arrangement with a sliding core wire), and/or a pipe or tubeconfigured for passage of liquid, gas, or solid material.

FIG. 4 depicts the closure member 22 wherein the seal strip 42 has beenremoved from the channel 38 for clarity of illustration. The channel 38is shown to include a first side wall 74 and a second side wall 76. Asshown in FIG. 4, the first side wall 74 and the second side wall 76 canbe substantially parallel with one another and can define an elongatedgroove, channel or trench 39 therebetween such as for receiving aportion of the seal strip (e.g., 42 in FIG. 3). The first side wall 74is shown to include an outer surface 75 and an inner surface 59.Likewise, the second side wall 76 is shown to include an outer surface77 and an inner surface 61.

A notch 40 is shown to be provided in the channel 38, and to include anopening in each of the first side wall 74 and the second side wail 76,as best shown in FIG. 5. First and second tabs 90, 91 are shown to beprovided by the channel 38 near the notch 40. It will be appreciatedthat the grommet 46 can be inserted into the notch 40 in order tofacilitate passage of the cable assembly 44 beyond or through thechannel 38. When the grommet 46 is inserted into the notch 40, thegrommet 46 can be configured to effectively seal or prevent moistureand/or air from passing through the channel 38 at the location of thenotch 40.

It will be appreciated that a grommet can be provided in any of avariety of specific configurations in accordance with the teachings ofthe present invention. One particular grommet 46 in accordance with theteachings of the present invention is depicted FIGS. 6-12. The grommet46 is shown to include a main segment 48, a first end segment 50 and asecond end segment 52. The main segment 48 can have a rectangular (e.g.,square) sectional shape which extends from a first end 92 to a secondend 93 along a longitudinal axis L, as best shown in FIG. 7, and thatincludes a top surface 70, a bottom surface 71, a first side surface 58and a second side surface 60. The first end segment 50 can be attachedto the main segment 48 adjacent to the first end 92, and the second endsegment 52 can be attached to the main segment 48 adjacent to the secondend 93.

Referring now to FIG. 10, the first end segment 50 can include an outersurface 51 and an inner surface 55, and the second end segment 52 caninclude an outer surface 53 and an inner surface 57. The first endsegment 50 and the second end segment 52 are shown to extend beyond thetop surface 70 of the main segment 48 such that a trench 72 is definedtherebetween.

FIG. 10 depicts a sectional view of the seal strip 42 when attached tothe grommet 46 (e.g., as shown in FIG. 3). The seal strip 42 is shown toinclude a resilient portion 67 and a reinforcement portion 69. In oneembodiment of the present invention, the resilient portion 67 can beformed from rubber or some other resilient polymeric material, and thereinforcement portion 69 can be formed from metal, such as steel. Theseal strip 42 is shown to include a first leg 78 and a second leg 80.The first leg 78 has an inner surface 79 which contacts the outersurface 51 of the first end segment 50 of the grommet 46. The second leg80 has an inner surface 81 which contacts the outer surface 53 of thesecond end segment 52 of the grommet 46. When the seal strip 42 and thegrommet 46 are associated with the channel 38 as shown in FIG. 3, theinner surface 79 of the first leg 78 also contacts the outer surface 75of the first side wall 74 of the channel 38, and the inner surface 81 ofthe second leg 80 also contacts the outer surface 77 of the second sidewall 76 of the channel 38.

In certain embodiments of the present invention, it will be appreciatedthat a seal strip 42 can include a third leg 82, as shown in FIG. 10.The third leg 82 can extend into, and can be retained within, the trench72. The third leg 82 can contact the inner surface 55 of the first endsegment 50 and the inner surface 57 of the second end segment 52 inorder to further assist the first leg 78 and the second leg 80 inattaching the seal strip 42 to the grommet 46. In such a configuration,when the seal strip 42 and the grommet 46 are associated with thechannel 38 as shown in FIG. 3, the third leg 82 also contacts the innersurface 59 of the first side wall 74 of the channel 38 as well as theinner surface 61 of the second side wall 76 of the channel 38. In thismanner, the third leg 82 assists the first leg 78 and the second leg 80in attaching the seal strip 42 to the channel 38.

As shown in FIG. 10, the first end segment 50 can include another innersurface 83 and the second end segment 52 can include another innersurface 84. The inner surfaces 83 and 84 can be stepped outwardly withrespect to the inner surfaces 55 and 57 of the first and second endsegments 50, 52, respectively. In this configuration, each of the firstend segment 50 and the second end segment 52 have a stepped thicknessalong the longitudinal axis L. When the grommet 46 is inserted into thenotch 40 as shown in FIG. 4, the inner surface 83 of the first endsegment 50 can contact the outer surface 75 of the first side wall 74 ofthe channel 38, and the inner surface 84 of the second end segment 52can contact the outer surface 77 of the second side wall 76 of thechannel 38. Through this contact, it will be appreciated that the firstand second end segments 50, 52 can assist in preventing moisture and/ordebris from passing through the notch 40 in the channel 38, and canassist in restraining the grommet 46 within the notch 40 in the channel38. However, in an alternative embodiment of the present invention, thefirst and second end segments 50 and 52 may not have a steppedconfiguration, and may accordingly have outer surfaces which are flushwith the outer surfaces of the channel when the grommet is inserted intothe channel.

Referring again to FIGS. 6-12, the grommet 46 may also include a firstretention wing 86 and a second retention wing 88. The first retentionwing 86 is shown to have a T-shape and to extend from the first sidesurface 58 of the main segment 48 such that at least one first groove 87is provided between the first retention wing 86 and the first sidesurface 58. The first groove(s) 87 can additionally extend between thefirst retention wing 86 and one or both of the respective inner surfaces83, 84 of the first and second end segments 50, 52, as shown in FIG. 8.Likewise, the second retention wing 88 is shown to have a T-shape and toextend from the second side surface 60 of the main segment 48 such thatat least one second groove 89 is provided between the second retentionwing 88 and the second side surface 60. The second groove(s) 88 canadditionally extend between the second retention wing 88 and one or bothof the respective inner surfaces 83, 84 of the first and second endsegments 50, 52, as shown in FIG. 8.

In the particular embodiment depicted in FIGS. 6-12, the first retentionwing 86 of the grommet 46 is shown to provide two first grooves 87, andthe second retention wing 88 of the grommet 46 is shown to provide twosecond grooves 89. The first grooves 87 are configured to engage firsttabs 90 provided by the channel 38 near the notch 40, and the secondgrooves 89 are shown to engage second tabs 91 provided by the channel 38near the notch 40, as shown in FIGS. 4-5. It will be appreciated,however, that a grommet in accordance with the teachings of the presentinvention can additionally or alternatively include retention wingsprovided in any of a variety of alternative configurations, and that thechannel can be suitably configured to interface with those retentionwings as appropriate.

Referring again to FIG. 10, the rectangular sectional shape of the mainsegment 48 of the grommet 46 can have a first height H₁. Each of thefirst end segment 50 and the second end segment 52 can havesubstantially the same height, H₂, which can be greater than the firstheight H₁. In this configuration, the first end segment 50 and thesecond end segment 52 extend beyond the top surface 70 of the mainsegment 48. Accordingly, the first end segment 50, the second endsegment 52, and the top surface 70 of the main segment 48 can togetherdefine the trench 72 therebetween. Referring to FIG. 7, the rectangularsectional shape of the main segment 48 can have a first width W₁. Thefirst end segment 50 and the second end segment 52 can havesubstantially the same width W₂. The second width W₂ can be greater thanthe first width W₁ such that the grommet 46 can be effectively retainedwithin the notch 40 and can effectively seal the notch 40.

Referring again to FIGS. 6-12, one or more passageways (e.g., 62, 64,66) can be provided to extend through the grommet 46, such as by passingthrough the main segment 48, the first end segment 50, and the secondend segment 52. In the example depicted in FIGS. 6-12, the grommet 46can include three distinct passageways 62, 64, 66 which can eachaccommodate passage of respective cables (e.g., 45, shown in FIG. 3). Inan alternate embodiment, however, a grommet in accordance with theteachings of the present invention might only include a singlepassageway, but that passageway might be sufficiently large toaccommodate passage of multiple cables, wherein those cables may or maynot be covered with a common jacket (e.g., 47).

A grommet in accordance with the teachings of the present inventionmight further comprise a collar attached to one or both of the first andsecond end segments 50, 52. For example, as shown in FIGS. 6-12, thegrommet 46 includes a collar 94 which is attached to the outer surface53 of the second end segment 52. It will be appreciated that a similarcollar might additionally or alternatively be provided in associationwith the first end segment 50. The collar 94 is shown to have an opening95 of sufficient size to allow insertion therein of the cable assembly44 (including all three cables 45 and the jacket 47), as shown best inFIG. 6. In an alternate embodiment, a collar can be provided to have oneor more openings in any of a variety of alternative configurations. Inone of those alternative configurations, the opening(s) can be providedto perfectly align in number, size and position with the passageways(e.g., 62, 64, 66) in the main segment, the first end segment, and thesecond end segment of the grommet such that the passageway(s) and one ormore cables can extend through the collar. The collar 94 can be providedto add stiffness to the cable assembly 44 to prevent the cable assembly44 from bending such that it interferes with closing of the closuremember 22. The collar 94 might additionally assist in sealing the cableassembly 44 with respect to the grommet 46 (e.g., with or without theuse of chemical sealants or adhesives) so that moisture and/or debriscannot pass through any passageways (e.g., 62, 64, 66) in the grommet46.

A grommet in accordance with the teachings of the present invention cancomprise any of a variety of materials including, for example, rubber orsome other resilient polymeric material. It will also be appreciatedthat the main segment 48, the first end segment 50, the second endsegment 52, and the collar 94 can be formed integrally during a commonmolding process. However, in an alternative embodiment, one or more ofthese components can be formed separately for subsequent assemblytogether.

Through use of a cable harness assembly and notched channel as describedabove, it will be appreciated that the manufacturing process for avehicle can be improved significantly as compared to conventionalconfigurations. In particular, when assembling the closure member 22,the cable harness assembly 43 can be installed simply by attaching oneend of the cable harness 43 to the tail light assembly 24 and theninserting the grommet 46 into the notch 40, as shown in FIG. 4. The sealstrip 42 can then be attached to the channel 38 and to the grommet 46.In this manner, cables (e.g., 45) can pass through the channel 38without interfering with the attachment of the seal strip 42 to thechannel 38, without significantly disrupting the seal provided by theseal strip, and without requiring any complicated installation orwire-routing procedures.

The foregoing description of embodiments and examples of the inventionhas been presented for purposes of illustration and description. It isnot intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the formsdescribed. Numerous modifications are possible in light of the aboveteachings. Some of those modifications have been discussed and otherswill be understood by those skilled in the art. The embodiments werechosen and described in order to best illustrate the principles of theinvention and various embodiments as are suited to the particular usecontemplated. The scope of the invention is, of course, not limited tothe examples or embodiments set forth herein, but can be employed in anynumber of applications and equivalent devices by those of ordinary skillin the art. Rather it is hereby intended the scope of the invention bedefined by the claims appended hereto.

1-12. (canceled)
 13. A grommet for insertion into a notch in a channeland for partially supporting a seal strip attached to the channel, thegrommet comprising: a main segment having a rectangular sectional shapeextending from a first end to a second end along a longitudinal axis,the rectangular sectional shape having a first height, a first sidesurface, a second side surface and a top surface; a first end segmenthaving a second height and attached to the main segment adjacent to thefirst end of the main segment, the second height being greater than thefirst height; a second end segment having a height substantially thesame as the second height, the second end segment attached to the mainsegment adjacent to the second end of the main segment; a firstretention wing extending from the first side surface of the main segmentsuch that at least one first groove is provided between the firstretention wing and the first side surface; and a second retention wingextending from the second side surface of the main segment such that atleast one second groove is provided between the second retention wingand the second side surface; wherein the first end segment, the secondend segment, and the top surface of the main segment together define atrench therebetween, and the main segment, the first end segment, andthe second end segment together define a passageway extending throughthe grommet parallel to the longitudinal axis.
 14. The grommet of claim13 wherein each of the first retention wing and the second retentionwing is T-shaped.
 15. The grommet of claim 13 wherein each of the firstend segment and the second end segment has a stepped thickness along thelongitudinal axis.
 16. The grommet of claim 13 wherein the rectangularsectional shape of the main segment has a first width, the first endsegment has a second width greater than the first width, and the secondend segment has a width substantially the same as the second width. 17.The grommet of claim 13 further comprising a collar attached to one ofthe first end segment and the second end segment, wherein the passagewayextends through the collar.
 18. A cable harness assembly comprising: agrommet configured for insertion into a notch in a channel and forpartially supporting a seal strip attached to the channel, the grommetcomprising: a main segment having a rectangular sectional shapeextending from a first end to a second end along a longitudinal axis,the rectangular sectional shape having a first height, a first sidesurface, a second side surface and a top surface; a first end segmenthaving a second height and attached to the main segment adjacent to thefirst end of the main segment, the second height being greater than thefirst height; a second end segment having a height substantially thesame as the second height, the second end segment attached to the mainsegment adjacent to the second end of the main segment; a firstretention wing extending from the first side surface of the main segmentsuch that at least one first groove is provided between the firstretention wing and the first side surface; a second retention wingextending from the second side surface of the main segment such that atleast one second groove is provided between the second retention wingand the second side surface; wherein the first end segment, the secondend segment, and the top surface of the main segment together define atrench therebetween, and the main segment, the first end segment, andthe second end segment together define a passageway extending throughthe grommet parallel to the longitudinal axis in order to facilitatepassage of a cable through the grommet; and a cable extending throughthe passageway of the grommet.
 19. The cable harness of claim 18 whereineach of the first retention wing and the second retention wing isT-shaped.
 20. The cable harness of claim 18 wherein each of the firstend segment and the second end segment has a stepped thickness along thelongitudinal axis.
 21. The cable harness of claim 18 wherein therectangular sectional shape of the main segment has a first width, thefirst end segment has a second width greater than the first width, andthe second end segment has a width substantially the same as the secondwidth.
 22. The cable harness of claim 18 wherein the grommet furthercomprises a collar attached to one of the first end segment and thesecond end segment, and further wherein the passageway and the cableextends through the collar.
 23. A grommet for insertion into a notch ina channel and for partially supporting a seal strip attached to thechannel, the grommet comprising: a main segment having a rectangularsectional shape extending from a first end to a second end along alongitudinal axis, the rectangular sectional shape having a firstheight, a first side surface, a second side surface and a top surface; afirst end segment having a second height and attached to the mainsegment adjacent to the first end of the main segment, the second heightbeing greater than the first height; a second end segment having aheight substantially the same as the second height, the second endsegment attached to the main segment adjacent to the second end of themain segment; a first retention wing extending from the first sidesurface of the main segment such that at least one first groove isprovided between the first retention wing and the first side surface;and a second retention wing extending from the second side surface ofthe main segment such that at least one second groove is providedbetween the second retention wing and the second side surface; wherein:the first end segment, the second end segment, and the top surface ofthe main segment together define a trench therebetween, and the mainsegment, the first end segment, and the second end segment togetherdefine a passageway extending through the grommet parallel to thelongitudinal axis; each of the first retention wing and the secondretention wing is T-shaped; and the rectangular sectional shape of themain segment has a first width, the first end segment has a second widthgreater than the first width, and the second end segment has a widthsubstantially the same as the second width.
 24. The grommet of claim 23wherein each of the first end segment and the second end segment has astepped thickness along the longitudinal axis.
 25. The grommet of claim23 further comprising a collar attached to one of the first end segmentand the second end segment, wherein the passageway extends through thecollar.
 26. The grommet of claim 24 further comprising a collar attachedto one of the first end segment and the second end segment, wherein thepassageway extends through the collar.
 27. A cable harness assemblycomprising the grommet of claim 23 and further comprising a cable,wherein the cable extends through the passageway in the grommet.
 28. Acable harness assembly comprising the grommet of claim 24 and furthercomprising a cable, wherein the cable extends through the passageway inthe grommet.
 29. A cable harness assembly comprising the grommet ofclaim 25 and further comprising a cable, wherein the cable extendsthrough both the passageway and the collar.
 30. A cable harness assemblycomprising the grommet of claim 26 and further comprising a cable,wherein the cable extends through both the passageway and the collar.31. The grommet of claim 23 being formed as a unitary structure from aresilient polymeric material.
 32. The grommet of claim 24 being formedas a unitary structure from a resilient polymeric material.